Olympians win over Saints

TEAM STI

The STI College Olympians started where they left off last season - missing 22 free throws. Opening day jitters might have made themmiss that much free throws plus the fact that they turned the ball over 22 times. Fortunately for the Olympians, their signature defense were at a high as they shut down the big men of St. Clare College enroute to an 80 -69 win at the start of the 9th season of the NAtional Athletic Association of Schools Colleges and Universities.

Norman Ihalas on the line

The Olympians were just coasting in the first half as both teams were trying to feel each other out and adjusting to the opening day excitement but when the second half came it was all together a different story. The Olympians tightened on defense and exploded on offense and the Saints failed to react and answer the Olympians onslaught. The Saints inside duo of Aries Parinas and Richmond Sibal were smothered by the STI bigmen as both combined for only 16 points .

The STI College Balagtas duo of Cedric Ablaza and Paulo Villadoz

STI paraded 11 new faces this year and their rookies contributed immensely to their win. Jerald Bautista scored 13 points, Mark Orrias had 11 points, Cedric Ablaza came up with 10 points and Paulo Villadoz contributed 7 points. Norman Ihalas and Bautista topscored as both scored 13 apiece as the balanced scoring of the Olympians still gave them the win.

Norman Ihalas floats in the air

The Olympians need to address their free throw shooting woes that will hopefully make them strong contenders this year. NAASCU fans see the a repeat of last year's finals and the Olympians are hopeful that they change the outcome of that finals this year.

Jerald Bautista punctures the hoops

STI College (80)

Bautista 13, Ihalas 13, Orias 11, Ablaza 10, Macabasco 8, Villadoz 7, Sabellina 6, Antonio 5, Carino 2, Washington 2. Bocablo 1,

St. Clare College (69)

R.Coronel 20, Parinas 10, Mustre 10, Jabar 8, Sibal 6, Rivera 4, Vitales 4, Gatmaitan 2, Gasparillo 2, Puno 2, Role 1.

Quarterscores: 16-11, 29-22, 55-38, 80-69.

Paulo Villadoz is hammered